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Integrated farming is a type of farming that aims to maximize the efficiency and productivity of the farm by integrating different types of crops and animals into a single system.

This approach to farming is based on the principle of maximizing the use of natural resources, such as soil, water, and sunlight, to produce a diverse range of crops and animals. Integrated farming also seeks to minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and to promote the use of sustainable farming practices. Integrated farming is seen as a way to improve the sustainability and resilience of the farming sector, and to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

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Topic Comments

Discussion

30/10/2023 - 14:32

I wonder whether we need to think harder about pesticides. They are vital and need to be protected. Some ideas to get the ball rolling:

  1. Specific pesticide restriction. Application of restrictions on supply of particularly damaging pesticides (largely “insecticides”) would raise price and increase the incentive to assess threat before use. This would make IPM more effective. Introduction of a bidding system for the limited supply would provide control and manage the incentive to develop improved strategies over time. An auction system would also help maintain margin for developers.
  2. Extension of national risk assessments of crop threats. Sugar beet approval for neonicotinoid use is determined by a national assessment of risk. Risk of other diseases, such as management of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in cereals, can also be assessed regionally. Extension of these schemes should be prioritised.
  3. Introduction of refuge areas.  Where genetically modified crops are used to providing insect control, it is a requirement in the USA to include a refuge area to reduce the risk of resistance developing (reducing selection pressure on genes providing resistance). Adoption of the concept in the UK for spray treatments (either untreated crop or beneficial plant species) would reduce the risk of resistance developing and provide a refuge for benign pests and predators. 
  4. Monitoring of pesticide use. Monitoring of pesticides post introduction (“pesticideovigilance”) means that unexpected consequences for the environment (and potentially human health and development of resistance) would be identified promptly. This would also complete the alignment with the introduction of medicinal materials.

 

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